HP results in, but still no CEO

Hewlett-Packard's search for a new CEO is progressing on track, while the company moves to get its operations firing on all cylinders, top company officials said on Wednesday during its annual shareholders meeting.

The computer giant is struggling to improve performance while also hunting for a new CEO to replace ousted CEO and chairwoman Carly Fiorina.

Patricia Dunn, HP's chairwoman, said: "We are in a sensitive period and at a sensitive junction at HP to select new leadership. It is difficult for the board to communicate everything... but I want to assure you we are seeking [a CEO who will drive] value creation over the long term."

Although the company declined to say when it expects to name a new chief executive, Dunn said she is satisfied with the board's current progress in selecting a new CEO and that it's on track with an internal time line it had set.

Despite the absence of a CEO since early February, HP posted first-quarter results that were stronger than analysts had expected, noted Bob Wayman, HP chief financial officer and interim chief executive.

"We have been able to execute against our strategy since the announcement (of Fiorina's departure)," Wayman said. "This represented a solid team effort and demonstrated the solid breadth and depth at HP."

Nonetheless, Wayman noted that the company has not been consistent with its performance and has fallen short in areas. He reiterated the company's stance that it wants to achieve sustainable growth, lead in new markets and leverage growth in all of its business units.

Investors, however, questioned the company's ability to accomplish its goals and questioned Fiorina's $21.4m severance package.

"It seems the worse you do, the more money you make," one investor said.

Dunn responded that Fiorina did not have a contract at HP and received the same severance plan "as everyone else at HP". The bulk of Fiorina's severance package included two-and-half times her salary and bonus from the previous year, as well as an additional bonus for the current period.

"The board takes the view that it's better not to have protracted negotiations as people leave the company," Dunn said.

But she noted that the board will re-examine their severance policy in the future and evaluate whether they are "payments for failure".

Shares of HP were virtually flat in afternoon trading at $20.22 a share, up eight cents from the previous day's close.

Dawn Kawamoto writes for CNET News.com.